240610003969 - Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed Ongombo Mine Copper Project (ML240 on EPL 5772), Khomas Region

Ongombo Mine (Pty) Ltd (the proponent) has appointed Environam Consultants Trading (ECT) to conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for mining of base metals, namely copper, within a proposed Mining Licence (ML 240) located on exclusive prospecting licence 5772 (EPL 5772), near the capital city Windhoek, Khomas Region, Namibia. The Proponent has focused on the development of potential copper projects in Namibia through extensive exploration programmes. The proposed Ongombo Copper Project will be an underground mine with a copper extraction process similar to existing but dormant copper mines in Namibia, for example the Otjihase and Matchless mines. The proposed Project will be referred to herein as the “Ongombo Project” or the “Project”. Additionally, a conventional open pit is planned to be mined from the Central shoot. Environmental studies were done for exploration purposes in the area as required by the Ministry of Mines and Energy. An Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism for this purpose. Furthermore, an Environmental Scoping Report was developed for the project in 2022. This was to be pro-active in the development approach to the project and to prepare for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies to follow. Subsequent to the above, it was decided that a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) should be conducted. As a result, the proponent commissioned the ESIA and appointed Environam Consultants Trading (ECT) to undertake the necessary activities to enable an application for an Environmental Clearance Certificate with the Environmental Commissioner as prescribed by the Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007) and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Government Notice No. 30 of 2012).